Chicago List

Bears Game, Cubs Home Opener, Christmas Party '09, Architecture Boat Tour

Jord and I created this list about a year ago when we decided we would be moving back to Davenport. We signed the lease for the last time and I thought we should have a plan to make the most of our last year in Chicago. The list went through several revisions over the last 12 months, but the intent was always the same: enjoy all that Chicago has to offer before it’s too late! Now, we know we’ll be back to visit and there’s always time to finish up the list, but the quick weekend trips here and there are usually rushed and have an agenda in place.

I’d say we experienced a lot in our last year: Bears game, Bulls game, Chicago Fire soccer game, countless Cubs games, Tea at the Drake, Architecture Boat Tour, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field tour, Kayaking, Goose Island brewery tour, one last apartment party (Christmas ‘09), Movie in the Park (To Catch a Thief), Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, and various bars and restaurants. Numerous things were added to the list just from receiving Groupon emails that sparked our interest, such as a Beer & Bacon tasting and a sailboat ride on Lake Michigan.

Those that we didn’t get around to include attending a Blackhawks game (although we went to the championship parade last spring), Devil in the White City bus tour (Jord hasn’t read the book, so I need to find someone else to join me), Frank Lloyd Wright walking tour (we lived in this neighborhood, so we’ve experienced the architecture on our own), and drinks at the Signature Room (this is something that I still plan to do). There were many restaurants that we didn’t make it to, as our list basically revolved around food. We also had some Chicago friends and family who we wanted to touch base with before leaving, but the last few months got away from us.

Now that we’re back in Davenport, I’ve been brainstorming for things to do here. The list hasn’t expanded too much beyond the obvious – Figge museum, River Bandits games, St. Patrick Society happenings, downtown festivals – but I think between working on the house and spending quality time with family, we won’t have to worry about filling our schedule for awhile!

Wrigley Tour, Blackhawks Championship Parade, Goose Island Brew Tour, Tea at the Drake